HD 1978 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act providing disclosure of political phone calls

This bill requires political campaigns to clearly disclose that phone calls are paid advertisements when conducting "push-polling" - a tactic that disguises negative messaging about candidates as a survey. It mandates callers to state upfront it is a "paid political advertisement," identify the organization and payer, provide a public phone number, and name the candidate(s) they support or oppose before asking any candidate-related questions. The rules apply to large-scale calls (over 2,000 in federal/state races, over 500 in local elections) lasting less than 2 minutes that mimic surveys but aim to influence voters. Violations carry fines up to $1,000, aiming to prevent deceptive political communication.
Bill status Introduction 0 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

No actions recorded for this bill.
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Jamie Murphy
Jamie Murphy
DDemocratic
MA
4th Norfolk